The swimming area before and after the breach
The Community Swimming Pool
The weir created a picturesque pond to the rear of the Island Mill which was used as a valuable swimming amenity for all ages during the summer months. Supervised by lifeguards, this has, for decades, been a safe recreational area where generations have learnt to swim.
With the collapse of the weir this pool has dissipated, leaving behind an unsightly, murky slough.
Water Safety
This area has been lifeguarded by Kilkenny County Council on the recommendations of Kilkenny Water Safety (KWS) for almost 40 years. It has also been the area used by KWS to teach swimming and life-saving for many years. This area has been safe and has never had a major incident of any sort. Following the breaching of the weir there has been no official swimming area in Thomastown.
Whilst the lifeguards are there in an advisory capacity, KWS are concerned that swimming is taking place in areas not considered safe. KWS have looked at a number of other areas for location of lifeguards, but for various reasons none were found suitable. KWS fully supports and encourages the restoration of the weir with a view to recreating a safe swimming area in Thomastown.
Thomastown Paddlers
The Thomastown Paddlers canoe club was formed in 1996 by a group of enthusiasts and has since then expanded to over 60 members, including four international award winning athletes, as well as amassing a number of club titles and trophies.
The impact of the loss of the weir is immense as both the 2 mile stretch of flat, deep water above the weir and the turbulent rapids at the base are gone. These waters were intrinsic in the training of beginners and experienced athletes alike, and the low water level poses a risk to both paddlers and the expensive racing kayaks. Thomastown Paddlers now must travel to Graiguenamanagh or Inistioge for training.
Thomastown Anglers
The weir has been an important part of the history of fishing in the area for many years. The reinstatement of the weir needs to be carefully carried out to allow for the preservation of fish stocks and safe passage of fish to the upper reaches of the river. The restoration of the weir wall would also protect the water level upstream, which has acted as a natural holding area for early salmon waiting to spawn.
Industrial Heritage
Apart from the practical, amenity based issues listed above, the weir is a significant landmark in the Thomastown landscape and part of the community heritage. To allow it to decay and crumble into the river would be negligent to those who cherish it and an impassivity against all it represents.
With the involvement of the community and the relevent authorities it would be possible to restore the weir and conserve the industrial heritage, whilst protecting the wildlife and reinstating a valuable local amenity .
© 2009
The Thomastown Paddlers canoe club was formed in 1996 by a group of enthusiasts and has since then expanded to over 60 members, including four international award winning athletes, as well as amassing a number of club titles and trophies.
The impact of the loss of the weir is immense as both the 2 mile stretch of flat, deep water above the weir and the turbulent rapids at the base are gone. These waters were intrinsic in the training of beginners and experienced athletes alike, and the low water level poses a risk to both paddlers and the expensive racing kayaks. Thomastown Paddlers now must travel to Graiguenamanagh or Inistioge for training.
Thomastown Anglers
The weir has been an important part of the history of fishing in the area for many years. The reinstatement of the weir needs to be carefully carried out to allow for the preservation of fish stocks and safe passage of fish to the upper reaches of the river. The restoration of the weir wall would also protect the water level upstream, which has acted as a natural holding area for early salmon waiting to spawn.
Industrial Heritage
Apart from the practical, amenity based issues listed above, the weir is a significant landmark in the Thomastown landscape and part of the community heritage. To allow it to decay and crumble into the river would be negligent to those who cherish it and an impassivity against all it represents.
With the involvement of the community and the relevent authorities it would be possible to restore the weir and conserve the industrial heritage, whilst protecting the wildlife and reinstating a valuable local amenity .
© 2009
